I Didn’t Know…

I didn’t know what having my first baby would do to my heart, mind, and body.

I didn’t know that love never had a boundary.

I didn’t know how full and complete my life was going to be when we bought you home.

I didn’t know that when you were  eating cheerios in your high chair while I danced around the kitchen making supper to make you laugh that we were making life long memories ingrained in my heart.

I didn’t know that the vision of your sweet nursery where you slept would be one of the favorite rooms I ever spent time in.

I didn’t know the joy it would bring me when you smashed your hands in your first birthday cake and ate the whole thing. We had to wash you off in Granny’s sink.

I didn’t know that 5 years later I would retell the story laughing of how I tried to take you on walks when you were a toddler.  You tried to knock on everyone’s door, run in the road, and pick every flower. I always had to carry you back home kicking and screaming while 9 months pregnant with your sister.

I didn’t know that I would cry when I saw you ride your bike for the first time.

I didn’t know how many times I would have to apologize to you for getting frustrated.

I didn’t know how many prayers I would pray for me to get this mommy thing right.

I didn’t know that you were going to play your role of big sister to three so far… so well.

I didn’t know that you were going to help shape me into what God wants me to be.

I didn’t know that you were going to start our tradition of Krispy Kreme doughuts after you asked Jesus in your heart that day.

I didn’t know you were going to lead your sister to Christ, then remember that we HAD to go get doughnuts again.

I didn’t know I was going to be one of those mammas that jumped out of her chair and screamed when you scored your first soccer goal.

I didn’t know that I was going to want to spend every day with you and teach you all the good things in life.

I didn’t know that you were going to be the party girl to pull me out of my shell.

I didn’t know how beautiful, smart, and funny you were going to be.

I didn’t know how kind, giving, and spirited you were going to be.

I didn’t know that I was going to cry typing this out, in disbelief you are six tomorrow.

I dint know that time flew till I held you in my arms.

I didn’t know time stood still till you wrapped your little arms around me.

I didn’t know that I was going to jump and down and call your daddy the first time you read to me.

I didn’t know that you were going to make friends with everyone you ever talked to. (You say every one is your best friend)

I didn’t know your favorite food was going to be chicken legs, your favorite color was going to be every color, or that you could draw all day.

I didn’t know that you were going to teach yourself how to hula hoop, do cartwheels, or climb trees.

I didn’t know that you were going to state that it was a different stuffed animal’s birthday every day just so we could have an excuse to party.

I didn’t know until I met you what God had created me for. He created be to be a mother and show His face through it all. I have failed many times but you have shown me how to keep at it everyday. Thank you sweet Willow for being so full of adventure, love, and Jesus. Happy 6th Birthday! We love you crazy girl!